Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 16: With summer in full swing, the highly anticipated mango season has arrived, and to celebrate the king of fruits, the Mango Fair, organised by SEECO and U B Fruits, Mangaluru, is now underway at the Agriculture and Horticulture Department premises in Doddanagudde, Udupi.
The event, which began on May 14, will run until May 18, attracting a crowd of fruit enthusiasts, farmers, traders, and culinary lovers.
This five-day event offers a colorful showcase of a wide variety of mangoes sourced from Karnataka and beyond, making it a hub for mango aficionados. The fair serves as an excellent platform for both farmers and buyers to interact, share cultivation techniques, and, most importantly, enjoy the diverse flavors that mangoes have to offer.
Among the locally grown varieties featured at the fair are Benet, Apus, Mundappa, Kadri, Pairi, Collector, and Kalappadi, all cultivated by farmers from the coastal districts. These varieties are known for their distinct taste, aroma, and texture. For instance, the Kadri mango offers a sweet-sour tang, while the Apus mango is renowned for its honey-like richness.
In addition to the locally grown varieties, mangoes from other regions of Karnataka are also on display, including popular varieties like Mallika, Malgova, Neelam, Sindura, Banganapalli, Kesar, Dussehri, and the small yet sweet sugar baby mangoes. These varieties represent the rich diversity of mango cultivation across India, each with its own loyal following.
The fair is not only a marketplace for mangoes but also serves as an informative event for those interested in horticulture and sustainable farming practices. Farmers are seen engaging with visitors, explaining the nuances of mango cultivation, the challenges they face, and the innovations they are adopting to improve both yield and quality. This farmer-to-consumer interaction is a unique highlight of the event.
The fair aims to support local mango farmers by providing them with direct access to the market and promoting the consumption of fresh, naturally ripened mangoes. In an era when chemically ripened fruits raise concerns, the event champions farmers who follow organic and safe ripening methods.
As Udupi continues to be a hub of cultural and agricultural activity, the Mango Fair has added a fresh flavor to the city’s summer calendar. It also highlights the importance of supporting local produce and sustainable farming, ensuring the preservation of traditional mango varieties for future generations.
With the fair running until May 18, an increase in footfall is expected over the weekend, as more families and visitors are anticipated to attend.